SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: John Richardson, Chairperson
ROLL CALL: John Richardson, Robert Giesse, Don de Reynier, Matt Evans, and Alternate Cherry
Linder were present. Scott Evans was absent with notice. Also present was the
Township legal advisor, Daniel Hendy.
John Richardson, Chairperson, stated that since Matt Evans was not in attendance at the first meeting on this
case, and that he would be participating in the discussion tonight but Mr. Evans would not be voting on this case.
Minutes of Zoning Commission Meeting of 04/10/06
Roll Call Don de Reynier-Yes, John Richardson-Yes, Robert Giesse-Yes, Matt
Evans-Abstained, Cherry Linder-Yes The motion was approved.
Administering the oath to those giving testimony by the Township Attorney, Daniel Hendy.
CASE 2006-108 The Woods @ Long Cove, R-MF PUD
John Richardson asked staff if they had any further comments to add from the last meeting. They had none.
He also asked the applicant if they had anything to add and they didn’t. He asked for any public comments.
Concerned Citizens Gary Rasmussen, 5520 Homecrest Lane, said one of the staff comments was on
the old tree line. He said there is no tree line by his property, just wide open space. He asked for a year around
screen. There is an old fence along the property line. He requested installation of an evergreen screen but not White
Pines. Mr. Rasmussen said he liked the recommendation for a sidewalk. He wanted minimal lighting on the backs of the
buildings. He pointed out the location of his house on the lot, the old fences, and where there are trees. He
explained that when the leaves are gone, he can easily view Wilkens Boulevard from his property. John
Richardson asked for any other public comments. There were no others. Mr. Richardson closed this portion of the
meeting.
John Richardson asked if the fence is on the property line.
Mark Bruggeman, CDS Associates, said they believe the fence is exactly on the property line and they don’t plan to
grade it but leave that area as a buffer. Fred Gossman, CDS Associates, showed some recent photos of the property to
the board. Mr. de Reynier said the real issue is what type of screening is appropriate along the western boundary
and he asked the staff what would satisfy zoning. Ms. McKnight said the code requires a minimum 15 feet green
bufferyard with a double row staggered planting of evergreen trees 15 feet on center. Mr. de Reynier asked what
the applicant is proposing. Ms. McKnight said they propose that the existing vegetation would be there instead of
what the code requires. John Richardson said his concern is that if they start digging holes the roots of the old
trees may be damaged. Some would be closer to the property line than others. Mr. Richardson said mounding dirt
there would damage all the trees. Mr. Bruggeman said they are staying out of the 15 feet buffer area and they
have worked with staff and surrounding property owners. He explained a plan for a keystone decorative retaining
wall. Mr. Bruggeman said the wall would be higher than the ground. Mr. de Reynier asked about the cost of compliance
to what the code requires compared the proposal. Mr. Bruggeman they are trying to make the grades work and
keep as much vegetation as possible. Mr. Bruggeman said the trees are growing up through the fence. He said
they will be minimizing the tree loss if they stay away from the tree line. Mr. Evans asked for a drawing which
showed the grading plan. Mr. Bruggeman said the flexible wall would be built from the ground up and the ground
would not be disturbed. There was more discussion about the planned wall and the mound. Mr. Richardson asked
him about the lights. Mr. Bruggeman said the lights would be back porch lights on the west property line. Mr.
Evans wanted more explanation on the wall. There was discussion on whether a guard rail would be required and
Mr. Bruggemann said no. Mr. Evans asked if pipes would be installed in the wall for drainage and he said no because
rain water would drain through the wall. Ms. Linder asked if the sewer service would be provided by Warren County or
Hamilton County. Mr. Bruggemann said if Hamilton County would allow it, they would use them and have a gravity
system. If they use Warren County, a lift station may have to be installed. Per Mr. Richardson this development has been
approved for sewer service by Warren County.
The Zoning Commission shall approve, approve with modification, or deny the submitted Stage 2, Preliminary Site Plan based on Section 19.06 of DTZR, unless additional information is deemed necessary to make an informed decision. In the event of approval, staff recommends the following conditions:
There was discussion by the board on each condition.
Motion Motion by Don de Reynier to approve Stage 2 of the Woods of Long Cove, Case 2006-108
including the 23 Conditions with changes to 12, 17, 20 and adding Condition #24. 2nd by
Robert Giesse.
Roll Call Cherry Linder-Yes, John Richardson-Yes, Robert Giesse-Yes, Matt Evans-
Abstained, Don de Reynier-Yes The motion was approved.
_____________________________________________ ________________________________________
John Richardson, Chairperson Date Marilyn Arnold, Secretary Date
H:04_27_06.MIN